Japan supports schools

THE Japanese government has funded school buildings and equipment to improve elementary and primary schools in three provinces through its Grassroots projects scheme.
Japanese Ambassador Kuniyuki Nakahara said school buildings and equipment valuing more than K830,000 would be distributed to Koki Elementary School in the National Capital District, Dagona Primary School in Central, and Napapar Primary School in East New Britain.
Nakahara said the three schools were recipients of the Japanese government scheme called grant assistance for grassroots human security projects.
“Through our financial support, these three schools are provided with school buildings and necessary equipment with the total amount of about JP¥25 million (K831,000),” Nakahara said.
“Japan’s grassroots projects reached out directly to the people in local communities to address basic human needs such as primary education, primary health care, basic infrastructure, providing tanks for water supply and equipment for disaster prevention, among others.”
Nakahara commended the Government for its efforts to improve the education sector.
“Providing school buildings in elementary and primary schools is essential for effective teaching and learning,” he said.
He urged the schools’ management to implement the projects on time and to meet contractual requirements.
“Let us work together to ensure that the projects are completed on time and that they take effect as scheduled for the benefit of the people and children in your communities,” he said.
“I hope that all these projects will be well maintained and remembered as a symbol of the friendship between the people of Japan and Papua New Guinea in the years to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nakahara expressed his deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and the country on his passing.
“Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was one of the greatest leaders in the Pacific region, who strived for the independence of this nation and played a key role in building the country’s economy,” he said.
Nakahara said Japan and PNG had enjoyed a good bilateral relationship through the work of Sir Michael.